A human illustrator can also copy existing works. As a result they are not criminalized for making other non-copies. The output of an AI needs to be considere

A human illustrator can also copy existing works. As a result they are not criminalized for making other non-copies. The output of an AI needs to be considered independently of its input. Further, the folly of copyright ought to be also considered, since no work -- whether solely human in origin (such as speech, unaccompanied song, dance etc.) or built with technological prosthesis/instrumentality -- is ever made in a cultural vacuum. All art is interdependent. Copyright exists to allow art (in the general sense) to be compensated for. But copyright has grown into a voracious entitlement for deeply monied interests, and has long intruded upon the commons and fair use.